Neal K. Bangerter, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
449 CB, 422-4869
neal_bangerter@byu.edu
Dr. Bangerter’s research focuses on developing new
and more efficient techniques for generating contrast
in MRI. In many cases, our quest to gather data about the brain is
hampered by poor image quality, long scan times, and inadequate
contrast. He and his students develop new algorithms, software, and
hardware that seeks to improve the quality and capabilities of MRI as
Erin D. Bigler, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Psychology
1190D SWKT, 422-4289
erin_bigler@byu.edu
Clinical Neuropsychology and neuroimaging investigations of typical and atypical brain development, traumatic brain injury along with aging and neurodegenerative disease.
Michael D. Brown, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology
2029 LSB, 801-422-5859
michael_brown@byu.edu
As a full time teaching professor, Dr. Brown focuses
on helping students to have an excellent experience in
his courses. He does not run a research lab. Dr.
Brown’s previous research includes the study of axon and dendrite
extension during nervous system development and regulation of the
cytoskeleton during cell motility and division.
David D. Busath, M.D., Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology
3019 LSB, 801-422-8753
david_busath@byu.edu
Dr. Busath’s research focuses on the following: mechanisms of neuronal channel structure, selectivity and
gating; lipid-protein interactions; gramicidin channel structure, permeability and dynamics; mode of nerve cell invasion by Botulinum neurotoxin; Influenza virus M2 protein permeation properties.
Steven K. Charles, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
435 CTB, 422-7369
skcharles@byu.edu
As a biomedical engineer, Dr. Charles investigates how
humans control their movements, what goes wrong in
movement disorders, and how to use technology to evaluate, assist, or rehabilitate patients with movement disorders. His research draws on knowledge and practices from biomechanics, neuroscience, robotics, and rehabilitation.
Alonzo D. Cook, PhD Associate Professor
Chemical Engineering
350 T CB, 801-422-1611
cook@byu.edu
Dr. Cook’s lab is studying peripheral nerve regeneration. He aims to stimulate the damage of peripheral nervous tissue, in order to understand the
process of degeneration and subsequent regeneration. The lab is using a rat focal demyelination model in conjunction with a nerve crush injury model in order to observe the role
of extracellular matrix (ECM) in its effects on the regenerative
Jefferey Edwards, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology
3046 LSB, 801-422-8080
jeffrey_edwards@byu.edu
Dr. Edward’s lab studies the mechanisms mediating learning and memory as well as Reward/Addiction pathways.
Using electrophysiology, pharmacology and molecular
biology techniques the lab studies synaptic plasticity, the
cellular mechanism allowing our brains to learn and adapt. We study
synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, the region involved in learning
and memory and the ventral tegmental area, the reward region of the
brain. The goal is to understand normal brain function and as a result
apply this to abnormal states such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s in the
hippocampus and addiction in the ventral tegmental area.
Ross Flom, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
1044 SWKT, 801-422-1147
flom@byu.edu
Significant advances have been made in our quest to
understand how various organisms, including humans,
attend to multimodal or multisensory properties of their
environment. Dr. Flom is interested in examining how
human infants learn to attend to those properties of an event that can
be specified using multiple senses, e.g., things that are seen as well as
heard, as well as infants’ ability to perceive modality specific information, e.g., color, in the presence of competing information. He is
also interested in examining how early and/or impaired sensory experience, i.e, prematurity of birth, blindness, hearing loss, etc. affects
multisensory development in human infants.
Shawn Gale, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
1060 SWKT, 422-9757
shawn_gale@byu.edu
Dr. Gale’s research mainly focuses on neurologic populations including traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, stroke, and
carbon monoxide poisoning, with an emphasis on the utiliza-
tion of neuroimaging techniques and their correlation with cognition.
Dawson Hedges, M.D., Professor
Department of Psychology
1082 SWKT, 801-422-6357
Dawson_hedges@byu.edu
Dr. Hedges research is in electroencephalography work.
He investigates using event-related potential to distinguish between pathological groups and healthy controls.
In his neuropsychiatric epidemiological research, he investigates
social an d medical factors that contribute to cognitive function. For
example, in a recent study, he studied the effects of chronic infection
on cognitive ability in middle-aged adults.
J. Dee Higley, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Psychology
1042 SWKT, 801-422-7139
dee_higley@byu.edu
Dr. Higley’s research is focused on individual differences in
developmental outcomes and psychopathology and focuses
on the importance of parental and other environmental influences and
genetic influences on the developing brain and its behavioral correlates.
His research assesses the role of these factors on addiction, adding new
perspectives on how genetic and environmental influences interact to
produce behavioral outcomes. Research from his laboratory shows that
traits such as impulse control, aggressiveness, and sociality competence
are mediated by CNS serotonin functioning and that psychopathological
behaviors such as severe impulsivity and alcohol abuse are found in
subjects with impaired central serotonin activity. A second line of research studies the effect of gene X environment interactions. This research shows that psychopathological outcomes are a result of early
parental treatment (or the lack thereof) which is modulated by genetic
background.
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D, Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
1024 SWKT, 801-422-1324
Julianne.holt-lunstad@byu.edu
Dr. Holt-Lunstad’s research examines the association
between our social relationships and physical health
and longevity, the pathways (e.g., cardiovascular,
neuroendocrine, genetic, metabolic, immune, and
neural) by which this association occurs, potential moderating factors, and how relationships may be applied in interventions aimed at
improving health and reducing risk. Her work is interdisciplinary and
takes a multilevel approach—utilizing diverse methods (self-report,
biological, and behavioral data) and concepts.
Ramona O. Hopkins, Ph.D., Professor
Neuroscience Director
Department of Psychology
1082 SWKT, 422-1170
mona_hopkins@byu.edu
Dr. Hopkins’ research focuses on brain-behavior relationships. One area of the research examines the effect of
critical illness on cognitive and psychological function
and brain imaging. She also focuses on memory.
Allan M. Judd, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology
2025 LSB, 801-422-3179
allan_judd@byu.edu
Interaction between the immune system, endocrine system,
and nervous system. Effects of the immune system hormones upon the release of hormones from the adrenal cortex; determination of the role that arachidonic acid may
play in the release of anterior pituitary hormones; determination of the
mechanisms involved in the release of arachidonic acid from anterior
pituitary cells.
Keoni Kauwe, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Biology
4146 LSB, 422-2993
kauwe@byu.edu
Dr. Kauwe is interested in the architecture of complex
traits. His current work is focused on using genomic
level data to understand the regulation of protein levels
in the cerebrospinal fluid. Specifically, his lab is implementing an "endophenotype-based" approach to understanding the
genetic component of risk and rate of progression of Alzheimer's
disease. In this approach they first identify genetic factors that are
associated with different levels of key Alzheimer's disease proteins,
such as amyloid beta and tau. Those genetic factors are then tested
for influences on risk or rate of progression of Alzheimer's disease.
The work in Dr. Kauwe’s lab is focused on data analysis and bioinformatics.
Brock Kirwan, Ph.D.., Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
1052 SWKT, 422-2532
kirwan@byu.edu
Dr. Kirwan is interested in how the brain forms and retains long-term declarative memories. He uses functional
MRI (fMRI), event-related potentials, and behavioral
testing techniques in my research. More information
about my lab can be found at kirwanlab.org
Michael J. Larson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
244 TLRB, 801-422-6125
michael_larson@byu.edu
Utilizing a convergence of information from neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience methodologies to
examine the mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction
following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Event-related
potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI) to show brain-based changes in how people monitor and manage their environment following head injury. Motivation, negative affect, and psychopathology (e.g., obsessivecompulsive disorder [OCD] and depression) in influencing cognitive control processes and concomitant brain activity.
Steven Luke, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
1062 SWKT 801-422-5978
Steven_luke@byu.edu
The major focus of my research is reading, which is a
complex activity that involves many different processes,
most notably language and vision. I also study other aspects of language, such as language development and word and sentence comprehension, as well as other visual tasks, such as scene perception and visual search. Many different groups participate in my
studies, including children and adolescents, second language learners,
and individuals from various clinical populations. In my research I
primarily use eye-tracking technology, although I also use MRI and
EEG to study how the brain understands and integrates visual and
language information during reading and other tasks
Rebecca A. Lundwall , Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
1064 SWKT 801-422-5977
rebecca_lundwall@byu.edu
I study the genetic and environmental influences on the
development of reflexive visual attention. In particular, I
ask: What single nucleotide polymorphisms or variable
number tandem repeats are associated with improvement or decline in
attention relative to one’s peers? What experiences ameliorate these
genetic risks? In previous research I have found that certain alleles
predict improvement on a reflexive attention task while others predict
decline in performance. Environmental influences such as a particular
home environment may modify these predictions.
David McPherson, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
129 TLRB, 422-6458
david_mcpherson@byu.edu
Dr. McPherson’s research is in the area of electrophysiology of language, brain function, and auditory development. His lab is looking at the plasticity of the speech perception and
language areas of the brain and their ability to process linguistic information in both a normal and disordered individuals (i.e., speech
and language disorders). As part of these studies, Dr. McPherson’s
lab studies electrophysiological correlates of psychoacoustic function. The laboratory is well equipped to study all areas of sensory
function.
Chris L. Porter , Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Marriage, Family and Human Development
2093 JFSB, 422-5806
chris_porter@byu.edu
Research interests include the socialization of behavioral and
psychophysiological components of young children's individual characteristics (temperament, emotionality) with particular interest on linkages to individual differences in emerging neural control on children's heart rate variability (i.e., cardiac vagal tone). Additional interests include familial and individual factors influencing the formation of early childhood attachment systems and familial and individual
factors influencing the transition to parenting and the emergence of parenting belief systems (self-efficacy).
Mikle D. South, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
245 TLRB, 422-4058
south@byu.edu
Dr. South’s lab studies the contributions of the limbic system to the development of symptoms of autism spectrum
conditions. He and his team are interested in the overlap
between anxiety and autism using experiments designed to activate the
amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, and the anterior cingulate. His lab is
currently involved in studies using a variety of psychophysiological
measurements and EEG along with functional MRI.
Michael R. Stark, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology
3066 LSB, 801-422-9498
Michael_stark@byu.edu
Dr. Stark’s research focuses on early nervous system development in vertebrates. He is primarily interested in
how cells make fate decisions to become a certain cell
type in the nervous system. Some of his research aims to address questions related to patterning of the nervous system, neuronal cell determination, and the molecular steps leading to cellular differentiation.
Ongoing projects in the lab focus on CNS and PNS development,
including the role of Pax3, FGFR4, and components of the Wnt signaling pathway in sensory neuron information.
Scott C. Steffensen, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
1050 SWKT, 422-9499
scott_steffensen@byu.edu
Research in Dr. Steffensen’s lab is devoted to the characterization of neuronal circuits and adaptive neuronal processes
involved in drug abuse and natural rewarding behaviors. In
animal studies, using electrophysiological, neurochemical,
immunohistochemical, microscopic imaging, and behavioral methodologies, we study the role of midbrain GABA neurons in regulating dopamine neurotransmission, which is dysregulated during alcohol dependence. In human studies, using electroencephalographic techniques,
we study potential peripheral biomarkers of brain dopamine and treatment strategies to elevate brain dopamine. Dr. Steffensen’s goal is to
identify what molecular substrates in the midbrain adapt to chronic
drug use and to subsequently explore treatment strategies that might
reverse drug dependence. This research is currently funded by two
NIH grants
Sterling Sudweeks, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology
3045 LSB, 801-422-8752
sterling_sudweeks@byu.edu
Dr. Sudweeks studies neurotransmitter receptors that act as
ion channels. These ligand-gated ion channels are involved
in synaptic transmission and are implicated in several
pathological conditions. They are also the pharmacological targets in
many therapeutic situations. These ion channels are expressed in both
the central and peripheral nervous systems. Specific receptors for the
neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin (5HT3), glycine (GlyR), and acetylcholine (nAChRs) are all members of
the ligand-gated ion channel superfamily.
Arminda Suli, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology
3048 LSB, 801-422-2646
asuli@byu.edu
Dr. Suli’s particular interest is the development and innervation of mechanosensory hair cells of the lateral line system.
Hair cells are specialized sensory cells that mediate hearing
and balance in mammals and are additionally used as part
of the lateral line system in fish and amphibians to detect prey and predators, to perform rheotais, etc. Dr. Suli also focuses on understanding the
development of neurons that receive and coordinate input from multiple
sensory systems. Multisensory neurons can be affected in individuals
with neurological disorders such as autism, dyslexia, etc. Her lab uses
optogenetic techniques to study these neurons.
Jonathan J. Wisco, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology
2028 LSB, 801-422-2402
jjwisco@byu.edu
Dr. Wisco is the Director of the Laboratory for Translational Anatomy of Degenerative Diseases and Developmental
Disorders. In general, the lab is interested in the anatomical
validation of innovative neuroimaging and surgical techniques. Specifically, the lab focuses on the histological validation of Alzheimer's disease imaging biomarkers, and of Diffusion Tensor Imaging
tractography, both in human and mouse brains. In addition, the lab is part
of two multi-institutional collaborations to characterize stellate ganglion
innervation of cardiac tissue to inform the effects of stellectomy surgery;
and to validate a new surgical procedure to use phrenic nerve roots to restore laryngeal function after recurrent laryngeal nerve denervation.
Dixon Woodburry, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Physiology and Developmental
Biology
4005B, 801-422-7562
Dixon_woodbury@byu.edu
Dr. Woodbury’s research is in molecular neuroscience
and focuses on membrane biophysics, particularly
vesicle/membrane fusion and its regulation by
SNARE proteins. SNARE proteins form the molecular motor that
drives exocytosis and are the target of tetanus and botulinum toxin.
Additional research looks at effects of alcohols and cholesterol on
exocytosis. His approach is that of the classical biophysicist or
reductionist